She Loves Tech’s Leanne Robers is funding the future of female entrepreneurs

Despite decades of progress, women remain under-represented in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. A 2023 Forbes report revealed that women hold just 28 per cent of leadership positions in tech, while a World Economic Forum study found that female-led start-ups receive only 2 per cent of total venture capital funding.

The barriers are undeniable, but trailblazers like Leanne Robers are actively working to change the landscape. As co-founder and co-CEO of She Loves Tech, the world’s largest accelerator for women-led businesses, Leanne is determined to champion female entrepreneurs, confront gender biases, and redefine leadership.

The Her World x Singtel Hello Possibilities 2024 awardee’s mission is not just about making space for women in tech and entrepreneurship – it’s also about ensuring that they thrive.

Facing gender biases head-on

Despite her successes, the road to where she is today was anything but easy. Early in her career at Siemens UK, Robers became one of its youngest managers, yet colleagues often mistook her for an assistant.

“People were shocked when they realised I was actually a manager with a company car,” she recalls. Despite her growing success, it wasn’t until her husband pointed it out that she realised she was frequently the only woman in the room.

One particular investor meeting made this bias glaringly clear. Though she was the CEO, the investor directed every question to her male co-founder, who was more familiar with the product but not the business.

“He wouldn’t even look me in the eye,” she remembers. Recognising the situation, her co-founder redirected the investor to her, reinforcing that she was the one with the answers.

Bias followed her into entrepreneurship. At a networking event, an investor mockingly read her She Loves Tech T-shirt aloud and dismissed her work. Initially discouraged, she later confronted him, outlining the global impact of her organisation.

“I was tempted to add, ‘I’m curious how many of these companies you’ve worked with,’ but held my tongue.”

These experiences strengthened her resolve. She says: “Instead of trying to fit into a broken system, I wanted to rewrite the rules. ”Before She Loves Tech, Leanne had founded multiple businesses, including Comish, Waterside, and The Hedge Club, all of which shaped her understanding of leadership, risk-taking, and the power of innovation.

When asked if it’s necessary for women to adopt traditionally “masculine” leadership traits to succeed, Leanne says: “I don’t believe in mimicking old models. I seek to redefine them.”

She also adds that the best leaders, regardless of gender, are authentic, open, and curious. “They don’t need to prove they are right all the time,” she adds.

Building bigger tables for women entrepreneurs

More than just advocating for women, She Loves Tech built an economic case for diversity. “We didn’t just ask for a seat at the table – it’s also about building a bigger table where everyone sees the value of women-led businesses,” she explains.

She also shares that today, investors actively seek out women-led start-ups, recognising that diversity fuels stronger businesses – but the work is far from over.

Leanne notes that women entrepreneurs are starting to value themselves more, but not enough. “We need to push for greater recognition that diversity isn’t just about ethics – it’s smart business.”

As for women who are thinking about entering male-dominated industries, Leanne offers a simple yet powerful message: “Courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s moving forward despite it. Step up, speak out, and change the game.”

Coordination Syed Zulfadhli
Photography Athira Annissa
Art direction Adeline Eng
Hair Aung Apichai from Artistry Studios, using Kevin.Murphy
Makeup Benedict Choo, using YSL Beaute

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.